English dictionary
tense
nounPronunciation
/tɛns/
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- (grammar) Any of the forms of a verb which distinguish when an action or state of being occurs or exists.
- (grammar) An inflected form of a verb that indicates tense.
- The property of indicating the point in time at which an action or state of being occurs or exists.
verb
- (grammar) To apply a tense to.
verb
- To make or become tense.
adjective
- Showing signs of stress or strain; not relaxed.
- Pulled taut, without any slack.
Example sentences
English only has a present tense and a past tense; it has no future tense.
Dyirbal verbs are not inflected for tense.
tensing a verb
You need to relax, all this overtime and stress is making you tense.